Until now, hundreds of mail-order companies could bill Medicare for test strips, lancets and other supplies that diabetics use. Now, patients can order from only 18 companies that won government contracts and will be subject to more oversight. (The change doesn't apply to Medicare Advantage patients.) Check the list at www

.medicare.gov /supplier or by calling 800-MEDICARE.

What's the price difference?

Medicare has paid about $78 for 100 test strips and lancets. Starting July 1, that reimbursement will drop to about $22. The copay will drop from about $15 to less than $5.

What if I want to buy at my local drugstore instead?

Ask if it accepts “Medicare assignment,” meaning it must honor the July 1 prices.

How about other medical equipment?

Medicare awarded contracts to nearly 800 suppliers of those items, but some didn't have certain licenses required by state authorities. Some lawmakers last week asked Medicare to delay the program's expansion, but that's not expected to happen.

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